Picture an afternoon that starts with handball in the playground, moves on to a craft table and finishes with helping a few children with their homework before families arrive. That’s a fairly typical day for an OOSH educator.
You may have also seen the role advertised as an OSCH educator. They’re the same job under two names. OSHC (Outside School Hours Care) is the national term, while in NSW, we call it OOSH (Out of School Hours care). Whichever name you use, OSHC educators make the hours before school, after school and during the holidays the best part of the day for children aged 5–12.
So what does the role involve, and is it right for you? We’ll walk you through the daily duties, typical shifts, the checks and training you’ll need, and how a casual OOSH shift can grow into a rewarding leadership career.
What is an OSHC educator?
An OSHC educator looks after children aged 5–12 outside school hours and leads activities for them. OOSH sits between the classroom and home, which makes it different from both school teaching and early childhood education. Children arrive at the end of a long school day, or turn up for a full day of holiday fun, and the program follows their interests.
At St Nicholas OOSH, educators run before- and after-school programs and vacation care, built around the varied interests and needs of children aged 5–12. Our services operate onsite at local primary schools across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens, the Upper Hunter and the Mid North Coast.
Before school care
Before School Care gives children a relaxed, safe and enjoyable start to the day. Educators serve breakfast, set up calm activities, and then get children to class on time.
After school care
After school is the busiest session. Educators collect children after the bell, serve afternoon tea, and run a mix of sports, art, games, a homework space, and free play until families arrive.
Vacation care
During the school holidays, vacation care runs as full-day programs at participating services. Days can include themed activities, creative workshops, sports challenges and excursions.
OSHC educator job description: What you’ll do day to day
No two afternoons look the same, but most OOSH educator duties fall into these areas:
- Supervising and keeping children safe indoors, outdoors and during transitions between school and OOSH
- Planning and leading activities based on what children want to do, from craft and cooking to cricket and construction
- Building relationships with children, so each one feels like they belong
- Serving food: Breakfast before school, afternoon tea after school, and meals during vacation care
- Supporting children’s wellbeing, which includes managing medical needs, helping children through friendship problems, and encouraging kindness and fair play
- Communicating with families at drop-off and pick-up
- Recording observations that feed into the program and help it improve
- Working with your team and school staff so things run smoothly
According to the NSW Department of Education, OOSH services in NSW have operated at a ratio of one educator to 15 children since 1 October 2018 under regulation 123. Educators count in the ratio only when they’re actively supervising and engaging with children. In practice, that means you’re on the floor and involved, not watching from the sidelines.
The My Time, Our Place framework
Every OSHC educator in Australia works within My Time, Our Place: Framework for School Age Care in Australia. The current version is V2.0 (2022), and it’s the nationally approved learning framework for school-age care under the National Quality Framework. The NSW Department of Education requires OOSH services to apply its teaching principles, and St Nicholas OOSH uses My Time, Our Place to guide its programs. The framework focuses on play and leisure as ways to support children’s development, agency and sense of belonging.
The framework rests on eight principles:
- Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships;
- Partnerships;
- Respect for diversity;
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives;
- Equity, inclusion and high expectations;
- Sustainability;
- Critical reflection and ongoing professional learning;
- Collaborative leadership and teamwork.
It also sets five outcomes for children and young people:
- They have a strong sense of identity
- They are connected with and contribute to their world
- They have a strong sense of wellbeing
- They are confident and involved learners
- They are effective communicators
In everyday terms, the framework asks you to listen to children, give them real choices, and plan experiences that build friendships, confidence and life skills. It’s play with purpose.
Typical OOSH shifts
OOSH hours suit people who want work that fits around study, family or another job. Session times vary by service.
At St Nicholas OOSH, they typically look like this:
- Before school: From as early as 6.30 am (6.45 am or 7 am at some services) until school starts, between 8.30 am and 9 am
- After school: From 2.30–2.45 pm until 6 pm or 6.30 pm
- Vacation care: Full days during the school holidays at participating services
Depending on service needs, St Nicholas offers full-time, part-time, temporary and casual positions. Shifts depend on your availability and preferences and on what the service needs, and we roster flexibly wherever we can to support work-life balance.
What the job is really like
The job is active and noisy, and it’s a lot of fun. One minute you’re refereeing a handball game, the next you’re helping someone finish a Lego build or talking a nervous kindergartener through their first week. Children in OOSH are old enough to have strong opinions and big ideas, so the best afternoons often come from their suggestions.
It takes energy and patience. You’ll need to stay calm when an afternoon gets busy, keep a close eye on supervision, and remember which children have allergies or medical plans. The reward is seeing children relax, make friends and get better at things they love, and knowing families can work with peace of mind.
Meet Rachel, one of our valued Educators at St Nicholas OOSH Lochinvar. Working with her service team, Rachel has built a rewarding career that gives her the flexible working and work-life balance she wants, along with time to commit to further education. Hear from Rachel about what she loves about being an OOSH educator:
OSHC educator requirements: Checks, training and qualifications
Working With Children Check (WWCC)
Everyone in child-related work in NSW needs a WWCC clearance from the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian. You apply online, then have your identity verified at a Service NSW Centre. A clearance is valid for five years.
First aid, anaphylaxis and asthma training
St Nicholas OOSH requires a current First Aid Certificate plus Anaphylaxis and Asthma Management training for Assistants and Educators, and Educators also need CPR. These courses should be on ACECQA’s list of approved first aid qualifications and training.
Qualifications
ACECQA, the national authority for education and care, confirms that “there are no qualification requirements for educators working in NSW and Tasmania OSHC services”, so you can start your OOSH career without one. At St Nicholas OOSH, requirements depend on the role:
- OOSH Assistant: WWCC verification number, current first aid certificate, and anaphylaxis and asthma management training. A child protection qualification is desirable.
- OOSH Educator: all of the above, plus an approved Certificate III or Certificate IV in School Age Education level qualification.
Each vacancy lists its specific requirements.
Career progression: From Assistant to Educator to Nominated Supervisor
OOSH has a clear career ladder.
- OOSH Assistant: The entry point. You’ll gain hands-on experience while working alongside qualified educators.
- OOSH Educator: With a school-age education qualification, you’ll take on more responsibility for planning and running programs.
- Nominated Supervisor: Nominated Supervisors lead their service teams and make sure children have safe and enriching out-of-school-hours experiences.
St Nicholas invests in this pathway. We’re currently partnering with Karben Training Solutions to support five Nominated Supervisors to complete their Diploma of School Age Education and Care. Want to see the next step up? Read What is the role of an OOSH Nominated Supervisor? to meet Matiese from St Nicholas OOSH Mayfield.
Why work in OOSH with St Nicholas?
St Nicholas OOSH is part of St Nicholas Early Education, a not-for-profit, community-focused organisation that provides early education, OOSH and vocational training through St Nicholas Pathways. Depending on the role, our team members can access:
- A competitive rate of pay
- A 50% discount on child care fees
- Paid, sector-leading professional learning
- Employer-funded Paid Parental Leave
- Flexible working arrangements
- Reduced gym membership with Fitness Passport
- Referral bonuses of $1000 ($1,500 for eligible positions)
- A Wellness Package, including an Employee Assistance Program and free flu injections
- Salary packaging options
- A friendly, inclusive and supportive team culture
Whether you’re after a few shifts a week or a long-term career in OOSH, you can explore current opportunities on our careers page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between OSHC and OOSH?
None. OSHC (Outside School Hours Care) is the national term, and OOSH (Out of School Hours care) is the term commonly used in NSW. Both describe before-school care, after-school care and vacation care for primary school-aged children.
Do I need a qualification to be an OOSH educator in NSW?
NSW has no mandatory qualification requirement for OSHC educators. At St Nicholas OOSH, you can start as an Assistant with a WWCC, first aid and anaphylaxis and asthma training. The Educator role requires an approved Certificate III or Certificate IV in School Age Education level qualification.
What hours do OOSH educators work?
Shifts usually cover the before-school session (from about 6.30 am until school starts, between 8.30 am and 9 am) and the after-school session (from 2.30–2.45 pm until 6 pm or 6.30 pm), plus full days during vacation care. Exact times vary by service.
Is OOSH work good for uni students?
It can be. Because shifts sit around the school day, many people combine OOSH work with study. Rachel, one of our Lochinvar educators, has built her role around further education.
What age children do OOSH educators work with?
At St Nicholas OOSH, educators work with children aged 5–12.
How do I apply?
Browse current vacancies on our careers page, choose the role that interests you and complete the online application. If nothing suits right now, join our talent pool and our recruitment team may contact you when a suitable opportunity becomes available.
Start your OOSH career with St Nicholas
If you enjoy being around children, have energy to spare and want work that fits your life, OOSH could be a great fit. Explore OOSH Educator jobs with St Nicholas OOSH and apply today.
